Project Employ at Wheeling Park High School is celebrating its 30th year in operation.
The program is designed to offer students with specific needs the opportunity to experience frequent on-the-job training with community-based work exploration prior to graduation. “The idea behind Project Employ is simply to graduate kids with entry level skills and experience in a field they are interested in,” states WPHS Special Education Teacher and overseer of the program, Chad Stout.
As part of an IEP or Individualized Education Plan, students are able to use a portion of their school day to gain real life experience.
Stout oversees two groups of students and Ohio County Schools Operations Center offers transportation to and from work sessions. His A.M. group regularly assists at Wheeling Park’s White Palace or at the high school’s school store. Whether setting up for banquets or assisting with various maintenance duties, Stout works as a one on one assistant to the student while they work.
His P.M. group is focused on fostering independence. Various community businesses employ students as they learn the skills needed in that specific field. Riesbeck’s, Grecos, Hole ‘N Run, Shirts ‘N More, and Stratford Springs all currently employ students. In addition to gaining experience, students from both groups are compensated for their work hours.
“The people and businesses that work with our kids just take them on as their own. Our community consistently embraces our kids,” Stout states. He goes on to share a recent experience at Stratford Springs: a young employee had performed so well that the head chef spoke to Stout directly offering a letter of reference and a plate signed by every current employee as a gift for that specific student.
To become part of Project Employ, students must exhibit good attendance, strong social responsibility, and maintain above a 2.0 GPA. With parent permission, student employees join with the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services, also known as DRS. DRS offers support for students and families as they navigate the world of employment before and after graduation. 30 current students with a variety of needs and circumstances are participating in Project Employ.
“If you look around at our community, it is amazing to see how many students we’ve seen over the years stay with the company they were once employed by at Wheeling Park High School,” Stout comments before referencing former students in current roles gainfully employed at Perkins, Kroger, Greco’s, and Riesbecks. “The relationships our business owners have invested in our students has truly changed lives.”
Data from the last 5 years reports that 50% of Project Employ’s students are still gainfully employed, often by the employer they met during their time in the program. “The students, staff, and business owners that make this a reality are constantly showing us just how amazing our community truly is.”
